3 recommendations for a cruise in Halong Bay
- Noa
Halong Bay is a bay in northern Vietnam containing about 1600 islands, located near the city of Halong about three hours drive from Hanoi . The high islands are made of limestone and are famous for their unique shape created over millions of years. Small beaches, interestingly shaped islands, caves and turquoise waters characterize the special area that has been declared one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A cruise in Halong Bay is an experience that simply cannot be missed!
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Table of Contents
How were the islands formed?
Ha Long Bay in Vietnamese means 'the descending dragon'. According to belief, when Vietnam began to form as a country, they had to fight invaders. The gods sent a family of dragons from the sky who spat out jewels, which created a series of islands and blocked the entrance to Vietnam. From this wall, the islands were created as if by magic. The invaders got stuck in the wall and lost the battle.
According to geological studies, the islands in the bay began to form 500 million years ago, when sea levels were higher. Many carbon deposits were transferred to the ocean. This led to the hardening and thickening of the limestone, which at one time reached a height of a thousand meters! In the following millions of years, the rocks were eroded by wind and water, creating the unique shapes we see today.
No matter which version you connect with more, there is no doubt that this is one of the most special and beautiful places in existence and the landscape truly seems to have been created by magic!
Halong Bay weather
In Ha Long Bay, the weather is divided into four seasons:
- Winter: November to February. 14-21 degrees. A little cool during the day and colder at night. Low chance of rain but high chance of fog. January is the coldest month and can reach 0 degrees.
- Spring: March to May. 18-30 degrees. This season has many bright days and occasional light rain.
- Summer: June to August. 24-32 degrees. Hot and humid, with a high chance of rainstorms.
- Autumn: September-October. 22-27 degrees. A little rainy, blue skies and pleasant.
3 recommendations for a cruise in Halong Bay
There are several options for cruising in Halong Bay: a day trip with most of the attractions and views in the area. The cost is around $50 for the whole day. Another option is a cruise in Halong Bay that includes one or two nights. The advantages of a night cruise are that, first of all, the pace is much slower and calmer. Second, the room where you will sleep is the exciting part of the cruise. Because getting up in the morning, taking a shower and sitting on the balcony in front of the view of Halong Bay is an experience that is simply unforgettable. Whether you are backpackers, a family, a couple on a honeymoon, or you have come to explore Vietnam – you can find a cruise that suits every style of trip.
Here are some recommendations for different types of cruises, all of which are fun and luxurious.
✅ Rating of 5 ⭐ on VIATOR out of 222 raters!
✅ Full of attractions such as kayaking, a cave, and observation decks in the most beautiful places
✅ Travel from Hanoi to Long Bay and back
✅ Includes lunch
✅ Starting from $56
Reserve your spot on the trip now! ￬
✅ Rated 5 ⭐ on VIATOR from 3255 travelers!
✅ Passing by Ha Long Bay, Lana Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay
✅ A night in a luxurious room on the ship
✅ Includes travel from Hanoi to Long Bay and back
✅ All meals are included
✅ Starting from $129
Reserve your spot on the cruise now! ￬
✅ Rated 5 ⭐ on VIATOR from 305 travelers!
✅ All the attractions and views that most tourists miss
✅ Includes fishing and a cooking workshop
✅ Travel from Hanoi to Long Bay and back
✅ All meals are included
✅ Starting from $290
Reserve your place on the cruise now! ￬
From Halong to Cat Ba Island
You can reach Cat Ba from the bay or from Hanoi, and you can also take a three-day cruise that includes an overnight stay on the island.
After Halong Bay: Other recommended destinations in Vietnam
After a cruise in Halong Bay, it is also worth traveling to amazing destinations such as Hanoi , a colorful city full of history. If you want a rural experience, go to Mai Chau , which offers cultural experiences and impressive views of villages and rice fields. Tam Coc , known as the "Halong Bay on land", is famous for its beautiful landscapes and sailing between magical limestone mountains. We also have Phong Nha , a World Heritage Site and recommended for adventurers, and known for its amazing caves and its wild national park. All of these destinations are worth visiting and recommended for travelers in Vietnam .
Questions and Answers
How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay? 🚐
The trip fromHanoi Halong Bay takes about 3-4 hours. You can get there with:- Tourist buses: Comfortable and available with pick-up from hotels in Hanoi.
- Organized cruises: which begin with transportation from Hanoi directly to the bay.
What is the weather like in Halong Bay throughout the year? 🌤️
It is best to come In the spring (March-April) or inAutumn (September-October), when the weather is pleasant. In the summer it is hot and humid but suitable for sailing and swimming, and in the winter the weather is cool and sometimes gray.What types of cruises are there in Halong Bay? 🛥️
- Day cruise: Suitable for those with limited time or budget.
- Sailing with accommodation: A recommended experience in which you will discover the bay in depth, and see the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises.
Should I sleep on Cat Ba Island or in Halong Bay?🌴
If you are looking for a relaxed island atmosphere, Cat Ba is the perfect choice and you can also see the bay on the way. A cruise in Halong Bay is more suitable for those who prefer cruises with accommodation on a ship.
